The Official Entertainment Guide of PPG Paints Arena
FALL | 2016
The Official Health Care Provider Of The Pittsburgh Penguins. ÂŽ
(And the fans who cheer them on to victory.)
Congratulations on your 50th season.
Fall 2016 Edition In This Issue
Pens Announce Five Special “Theme Nights” for 50th Anniversary Season
3 11 13 17
Calendar of Events
3
Building Information PPG Paints Arena Concessions
18
PPG Paints Arena Seating Chart
20
Recording Artist Returns Home, Headlines Family Skating Show
31
Illustions, Aerial Scenes Make Disney Shows Unforgettable
38
Impractical Jokers Tour Includes Pittsburgh Show
41
Olympians Confirmed for Gymnastics Tour
49
The River Tour Opener, Arena Finale Made Memories for Fans in Pittsburgh
57
WWE PPV Announces Roadblock, Continues Special Pittsburgh Friendship
63
Excitement of Collegiate Action Comes to Ice & Court this Fall
20
31
Show Time is published quarterly for free distribution on a first-come, first-served basis to fans and guests at PPG Paints Arena events, KeyBank branch locations, the Cambria Suites at PPG Paints Arena, the Marriott City Center and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of PPG Paints Arena is prohibited. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in Show Time, please contact info@pittsburghpenguins.com and we will contact you to discuss available opportunities.
ED W IT NT RI
H
P
©2016 PPG Paints Arena
10
GY
10%
R
0
% E WI ND EN www.NewWindEnergy.com
63
|1|
Pens Announce Five Special “Theme Nights” for 50th Anniversary Season During 2016-17, the Pittsburgh Penguins are having a season-long celebration to commemorate the team’s 50th Anniversary season. “We’re looking forward to a season-long salute of a half-century of Penguins hockey,” said David Morehouse, President and CEO of the Penguins. “We’re excited to honor our history, and we think our fans will enjoy the many activities that we have planned.” “We’re excited to The Penguins will hold five special theme honor our history, nights during the season, which started with the and we think our Thursday, October 13 home opener against the fans will enjoy the Washington Capitals when the team raised its fourth Stanley Cup banner. many activities that There was a special on-ice ceremony we have planned.” with the Cup and a pre-game video tribute to Penguins history on that night. Continued on page 4
|3|
Continued from page 3
Other theme nights include: o Saturday, October 15 vs. Anaheim – “The Early Years,” featuring players from the 1967-76 teams, as well as original Penguins owner Jack McGregor. o Saturday, December 3 vs. Detroit – “Back to Back Stanley Cup champions,” honoring members of the 1991 and 1992 Cup teams, including Mario Lemieux. o Sunday, January 8 vs. Tampa Bay – “Cup for a New Generation,” featuring members of the 2009 Stanley Cup team. o Friday, February 3 vs. Columbus – “Alumni Salute,” honoring a multitude of Penguins alumni through the years. Continued on page 6
|4|
Welcome to the next gen network. America’s largest, fastest 4G LTE network ever.
Verizon has never believed good is good enough. That’s why we were the first to introduce 3G, and the first to launch 4G LTE nationwide. Now we’re introducing Verizon LTE Advanced. Bringing you 50% faster peak speeds in more than 450 cities, coast to coast. Can your network say that?
Continued from page 4
First Ever Penguins’ Fan Fest a Big Success by Bryanna McDermott / NHL.com
Things got a little crazy at PPG Paints Arena on October 9 as the Penguins kicked off their 50th season with the first-ever Fan Fest presented by UPMC. The ultimate fan experience - which was split into two sessions - gave Pens supporters a new perspective of their favorite players and the organization, as they engaged in Q&A sessions with the team, head coach Mike Sullivan and GM Jim Rutherford; participated in interactive demonstrations including a kidsonly press conference and cooking contest; and played several hockey-related games throughout the arena. Highlights from the day included a Marc-Andre Fleury split, Kris Letang attempting to beatbox and Trevor Daley nailing the robot. Fans came from all over North America to join in on the fun, including Jessica Carducci - who traveled to Pittsburgh from Portland, Indiana for The experience the opportunity to interact with her favorite players. wasn’t just “I don’t get a lot of opportunities for hockeyspecial to the relating things because there’s not a lot in Indiana,” fans, but for the Carducci said. “But my family lives out here and players as well. I’m from here originally. It was just a really good opportunity and it was like my birthday treat to myself to buy the tickets and come out.” Carducci also shared that her great-grandmother attended the first-ever
|6|
Penguins home game in October 1967, which is fitting considering this is the anniversary season. And the experience wasn’t just special to the fans, but for the players as well. “It’s fun to have the chance to meet with them and do different things,” Letang said. “We’re not only sitting and signing autographs here, we’re going down there and playing hockey with them and some are cooking. It’s fun.” Players actually took turns playing drop-in hockey with young fans. At one point both Chris Kunitz and Matt Cullen took to the rink to compete against young fans. Daley also spent time at the accuracyshooting station and Fleury helped out with pint-sized goalies throughout the day. Defensemen Ian Cole, Olli Maatta and Brian Dumoulin all joined Chef Geoff from UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex to cook up a salmon salad in front of fans. Fan Fest also featured two Q&A sessions with players that gave everyone in attendance a good laugh. Here are the highlights from those sessions: o A fan confronted Fleury on why he tried to steal her inflatable Stanley Cup at the Victory parade when he already had the real one. “I just had it once. I get to go like this and then I don’t have it,” Continued on page 8
|7|
Continued from page 7
Fleury said with his arms raised above his head. o The guys were asked what they plan to be for Halloween. Matt Cullen’s response: “An over-aged hockey player.” o Crosby also gave some advice to Pens fans who live in Philadelphia. “Find other Penguins fans,” the captain said with a smile. o Kris Letang’s favorite movies are Finding Nemo and Zootopia. “I watch them every night,” Letang said. Some of the other on-stage events included: o ’5 Second Rule’ with Matt Murray, Conor Sheary, Tom Kuhnhackl, Bryan Rust, Scott Wilson and Derrick Pouliot. o The Return of the HBK Line with Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel, emceed by Paul Steigerwald. o Player Pictionary with Patric Hornqvist, Justin Schultz and Pouliot, where they were joined by young fans in the audience. Sullivan and Rutherford also gave their “State of the Team” address to both sessions, where the pair discussed how they plan to carry on the success of last season. “Our approach has always been to stay in the moment and look at the game in front of us,” Sullivan told the crowd. “We’ve had success with it before. Just stay in the moment and take it a game at a time.” Rutherford even talked about how he planned on retiring before making the trip to Pittsburgh. “I was at a point in my career where I was thinking about not working anymore,” Rutherford said with a smile spreading across his face. “Then this opportunity came up and I told my wife, ‘We’re going to Pittsburgh.’” Rutherford recalled his wife Leslie asking why he wanted to take this job and his response was perfect. “Because I want to win again,” Rutherford smiled. |8|
HOST YOUR NEXT HOST YOUR HOST YOUR NEXT NEXT GROUP OUTING WITH HOST YOUR NEXT GROUP OUTING GROUP OUTING WITH WITH GROUP OUTING WITH
US! US! US! US!
Ticket Discounts for Groups of 10 or More • Special Scout Nights Ticket Discounts for Groups of 10 or More • Special Scout Nights Ticket Discounts Groups 10 •• Special Scout Nights Corporate Groupfor Discounts • Special Group Incentives such as Ticket Discounts for Groups of of 10 or or More More Special Scout Nights Ticket Discounts Groups of 10 or More • Special Scout Nights Corporate Groupfor Discounts • Special Group Incentives such as Corporate Discounts •• Special Incentives such Meet andGroup Greets, Memorabilia, FreeGroup Tickets, and bonuses! Corporate Group Discounts Special Group Incentives such as as Corporate Discounts • Special Incentives such as Meet andGroup Greets, Memorabilia, FreeGroup Tickets, and bonuses! Meet and Free Tickets, and bonuses! MeetUPCOMING and Greets, Greets, Memorabilia, Memorabilia, bonuses! EVENTS AT Free PPGTickets, PAINTSand ARENA Meet and Greets, Memorabilia, Free Tickets, and bonuses!
UPCOMING PAINTS • Kellogg’s Gymnastics EVENTS The City Game ARENA UPCOMING EVENTS AT AT•PPG PPG PAINTS ARENA • Tour Kellogg’s Gymnastics • The City Game ARENA of Champions Harlem Globetrotters UPCOMING EVENTS AT PPG PAINTS • Kellogg’s Gymnastics • The Game Kellogg’s Gymnastics • Harlem The City CityGlobetrotters Game Orchestra of Champions • ••• Tour Musselman’s Applesauce Family Trans-Siberian Kellogg’s Gymnastics • The City Game Tour of Champions Harlem Globetrotters Tour of Champions • Harlem Globetrotters • Skating Musselman’s Applesauce Family • Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute with Dan+Shay Rivers Classic of Champions •• Three Harlem Globetrotters •• Tour Musselman’s Applesauce Family Trans-Siberian Orchestra Musselman’s Applesauce Family Trans-Siberian Orchestra Skating Tribute with Dan+Shay • Three Rivers Classic •• Ringling Bros.Applesauce and Casting Crowns Musselman’s Family • Trans-Siberian Orchestra Skating Tribute with Dan+Shay Three Rivers Classic Skating Tribute with Dan+Shay • Three Rivers Classic • Barnum Ringling Bros. and • Casting Crowns &Bros. Bailey Circus Basketball Tournament Tribute with Dan+Shay •• A10 Three Rivers Classic • Skating Ringling and Casting Crowns RinglingOn Bros. and Casting Crowns & Bailey Circus • A10 Basketball ••• Barnum Disney Ice Ringling andCircus •• Casting CrownsTournament Barnum Bailey A10 Tournament BarnumOn& &Bros. Bailey Circus A10 Basketball Basketball Tournament • Barnum Disney Ice & Bailey Circus • A10 Basketball Tournament ••Ticket Disney On Ice + Allows You the Opportunity to Add Concession Value to Event Ticket(s). Disney On Ice •Ticket Disney On IceYou the Opportunity to Add Concession Value to Event Ticket(s). + Allows Ticket+ Allows You You the the Opportunity Opportunity to Add Add Concession Value to Event Event Ticket(s). Ticket(s). + Allows For more information, please Value contact: Ticket to Concession to Ticket+ Allows You the Opportunity to Add Concession to Event Ticket(s). Jacob Sullivan For more information, please Value contact:
PPG Paints Arena Group Corporate Sales Department For more information, please&contact: contact: Jacob Sullivan For more information, please groupsales@ppgpaintsarena.com • 412-804-7904 Jacob Sullivan PPG Paints Arena Group Corporate Sales Department For more information, please&contact: Jacob Sullivan VISIT PPGPAINTSARENA.COM/GROUPSALES PPG Paints Arena Group Group & & Corporate Corporate Sales Department Department groupsales@ppgpaintsarena.com • 412-804-7904 PPG Paints Arena Sales Jacob Sullivan groupsales@ppgpaintsarena.com • 412-804-7904 412-804-7904 VISITPaints PPGPAINTSARENA.COM/GROUPSALES groupsales@ppgpaintsarena.com • PPG Arena Group & Corporate Sales Department VISIT PPGPAINTSARENA.COM/GROUPSALES PPGPAINTSARENA.COM/GROUPSALES VISIT groupsales@ppgpaintsarena.com • 412-804-7904 VISIT PPGPAINTSARENA.COM/GROUPSALES
Calendar of Events truTV Impractical Jokers ‘Santiago Sent Us’ October 7 — 7:00 PM Tour Starring The Tenderloins DISNEY LIVE! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic
Octboer 14 — 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions 2016
October 23 — 5:00 PM
Musselman’s Applesauce Family Skating Tribute Featuring Dan+Shay
October 23 — 4:00 PM
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME
November 3–6 — 6 Shows
College Hockey RMU Men’s Hockey vs. Dartmouth
November 27 — 2:00 PM
GNC Presents: The City Game Pitt vs Duquesne Basketball
December 2 — 7:00 PM
College Basketball RMU Men’s Basketball vs.Duquesne
December 6 — 7:00 PM
Disney on Ice Presents Dare to Dream
December 9–11 — 6 Shows
WWE PPV Roadblock
December 18 — 7:30 PM
College Basketball RMU Men’s Basketball vs.Buffalo
December 21 — 7:00 PM
Harlem Globetrotters
December 26 — 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 27 — 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Three Rivers Classic Men’s College Hockey Tournament
December 29 — 4:30 PM December 30 — 4:30 PM
Group Sales Available For more information, please contact the PPG Paints Arena Group and Corporate Sales Department | EMAIL groupsales@ppgpaintsarena.com PHONE 412-804-7904 | www.ppgpaintsarena.com/groupsales For all upcoming PPG Paints Arena events visit www.ppgpaintsarena.com. | 11 |
2016.17 SEASON
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS SEASON presented by
Home
AWAY
NHL Stadium Series
Game dates, times, and opponents are subject to change. Be sure to check the starting time of every game at pittsburghpenguins.com before heading to PPG Paints Arena! Visit pittsburghpenguins.com for 2016-17 promotional schedule.
Building Information ATM Machines For the convenience of our fans, ATMs are available in the arena: KeyBank Outside section 119 and 230, and in the lobby of the Trib Total Media Gate PNC Bank on PNC Legends Level Outside of Party Suite 44 and Suite 13 Banners and Signs Banners and signs are permitted for most events, providing they are appropriate, as deemed by building management. Cameras Cameras are permitted into the arena for Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games and most events. If allowed, building policy states only small personal still cameras equipped with three (3) inch lens or smaller be brought into the building. Cameras with detachable lenses or flashes are not permitted. Video, audio and professional camera and recording devices are strictly prohibited in the building. For all other non-hockey events, camera policies will vary. Please check the individual event page for further information. Video Cameras Use of video or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited. The arena reserves the right to confiscate any tape or film and remove the patron from the building.
Designated Drivers Guests of legal drinking age who hold a valid driver’s license and wish to sign up to be a designated driver, may visit Guest Services at section 104 for specific Designated Driver booth locations during Pittsburgh Penguins games. In return for safe and sober transportation of their group from the arena, the designated driver will receive a coupon redeemable for a complimentary soft drink during the game. Emergency Evacuation In the event of an emergency, the arena staff will utilize the public address (PA) system to inform guests of the situation and any instructions as applicable. All exits and emergency exits are posted with appropriate signage. First Aid There are two (2) First Aid Stations presented by UPMC, one on each level of the arena. First Aid is located adjacent to the Guest Services office outside section 104 and behind the concession stand at section 232. Lost and Found If an item is lost or found during an event please see the Guest Services office located outside section 104. Guests inquiring about lost items after an event should call 412.804.7903. Items lost at events are held in storage for thirty (30) days and then either disposed of or donated to an appropriate charity. Continued on page 17
| 13 |
Building Information Continued from page 15
Prohibited Items Bags, back packs, air horns, coolers (hard/soft sided), thermoses, large purses, cans, bottles, flasks, alcoholic beverages, laser pointers, video or audio recording devices, professional cameras/lens, tripods, banners or signs on poles, weapons or any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate are strictly prohibited. Small purses, camera cases, binocular cases and diaper bags will be permitted, however, all items that do not pass security must be returned to vehicles. Questions For general questions, please call 412.642.1800. Re-Entry Policy Exit and re-entry is not permitted at the arena. Security In the interest of guests and staff safety, a search process is required for all events in order to prevent guests from bringing unauthorized and prohibited items into the arena.
Smoking Policy Smoking is not permitted inside the arena. TAG-A-KID In the event a parent and child might be separated at an arena event, parents can register their child with the Tag-A-Kid program. A wristband with the parent’s seat location and contact number will be given to the child. Registration is available at the Guest Services office located outside section 104. Wheelchairs A limited number of wheelchairs are available for transporting guests that are disabled to their seating location. Guests can be transported from the gates to their seats. If a wheelchair is needed for the duration of the event, guests must supply their own wheelchairs. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved in advance. Upon arrival, guests can arrange for a wheelchair at any entrance of the arena. Please see an arena employee to assist with wheelchair transportation.
Have a Question or Concern During an Event?
Text GOAL TO 69050 Followed by your location and Issue
| 15 |
Concessions SMOKEHOUSE
PIZZA
Beef Brisket, Chicken & Pulled Pork Sandwiches Sections: 115, 205
Sections: 103, 107, 113, 212 ®
From Our Den to Your Den
SMITH’S®
COORS LIGHT IGLOO CLUB
Hotdogs Sections: 101, 107, 109, 111, 116, 121, 212, 218, 223, 225, 231, 232
Section: 206
BURGATORY Burgers, Fries, Milkshakes Section: 206
NAKAMA Sushi - Sections: 101, 105; 111 Hibachi by Nakama: 232
DAIRY QUEEN Dilly Bar, Buster Bar, Stars & Stripes Starkiss Sections: 105, 234
DUNKIN’ DONUTS Specialty Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Teas and Donuts Sections: 109, 118, 212
PRIMANTI BROS. Sandwiches Section: 119
RITA’S Italian Ice Section: 109
I.C. LIGHT ICEBOX Section: 204
LABATT BLUE ZONE
TÄKŌ
Section: 109
Section: 101
TURNPIKE TAVERN
MEAT & POTATOES
Section: 106
Chef’s e ry ca rv
Section: 111
CHEF’S CARVERY
JIM BEAM RACKHOUSE
Sandwiches Section: 107
Section: 119
NORTH COUNTRY BREWING
THE YARD Section: 120
Section: 116
KREA’S Section: 116 eat authentic greek
Menu items subject to change.
| 17 |
Seating Chart
| 18 |
PENNSYLVANIA’S FINEST BEERS
®
NOW AT
SEC 106
Enjoy Beer Made Here! Some of Pennsylvania’s finest beers are now available at the new Turnpike Tavern, located behind Section 106.
Recording Artist Returns Home, Headlines Family Skating Show By: Pam Thompson
When the Musselman’s Apple Sauce Family Skating Tribute takes place at PPG Paints Arena this fall, it will include a local native son who is making good on the music scene rather than the ice. Recording artist, Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay returns to his hometown when the duo headlines the 2016 edition of the family-themed ice show. Skating champions, Kristi Yamaguchi and Michael Weiss host the show which features Scott Hamilton, Nancy Kerrigan and Paul Wylie, all of whom are parents. Their children also are featured in the show, which is being taped for telecast on ABC during the holiday season. Continued on page 22
Local native Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay returns to his hometown to headline the show.
| 20 |
VITAMINS. SUPPLEMENTS. PROBIOTICS. AND THAT’S JUST OUR OPENING ACT.
10OFF
TAKE $
Your Next In-Store Purchase of $50 or More*
*One-time use only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exclusions apply. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Cannot be applied to previous purchases, Gold Card membership purchase/renewal, gift cards, shipping or sales tax. No cash value. Redeemable in U.S. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. See associate for details. Offer valid at participating GNC stores only. Not valid at GNC.com or GNC Rite Aid locations. IN-STORE COUPON #30523 I Valid Through 4/25/17
IF IT’S NEW IT’S AT GNC. HUNDREDS OF WAYS TO GET YOUR GOALS.
Continued from page 20
Also appearing in the tribute is a who’s who of figure skating fame including: o Four-time World Champion and four-time Canadian champion Kurt Browning o World Champion and six-time U.S. champion Todd Eldredge o European Champion bronze medalists and seven-time British ice dance champions (and siblings) Sinead and John Kerr o Five-time Italian Champion Silvia Fontana o World bronze medalist and three-time U.S. pairs champion John Zimmerman, and o Two-time Canadian pairs bronze medalists Jodeyne Higgins and Sean Rice. Smyers and his partner Shay Mooney have been nominated three consecutive times for Academy of Country Music Vocal Duo of the Year (201416), and they have received two nominations for Country Music Awards’ Vocal Duo of the Year.
Mak e a Powe r Play Wit h Pit tsburgh 's Powe r Print e r
PITTSBURGH’S COMMERCIAL PRINTER
CLINTON COMMERCE PARK 2251 SWEENEY DRIVE. CLINTON, PA 15026
| 22 |
PHONE: 724•899•4200
www.knepperpress.com
They released their second album, Obsessed in June, following their 2014 album debut, Where It All Began. Obsessed made its debut at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, and it made Dan + Shay the first new county duo in SoundScan recorded history to make its debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Their newest single, “From the Ground Up,” follows their chart-topping smash hit “Nothin’ Like You,” which received a nomination for the CMT Music Award for Duo Video of the Year. Kristi Yamaguchi “From the Ground Up,” released in early is co-host of February, entered the Billboard Country Airplay Musselman’s Apple chart and made it to the No. 1 spot. Seven Sauce Family months later, the single had logged 30 weeks on Skating Tribute. the chart. Dan + Shay have performed the song on The Ellen Show, Live with Kelly, and for the slow dance between JoJo and Luke on The Bachelorette episode recorded in Western Pennsylvania, this year. Smyers was born in Wexford, Pa., graduated from North Allegheny Senior High School and studied finance at Carnegie Mellon University before heading to Nashville to pursue a music career. That’s where he met Dan Mooney and together they wrote their debut single, “19 You + Me” with Danny Orton. The song has earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The duo has sold more than 1.8 million digital tracks and more than 450,000 album equivalents. Dan + Shay currently are headlining their third tour through yearend, following their 2015 sold-out Just the Right Kind of Crazy Tour, and their Where It All Began Tour in 2014-15. In 2014, they also supported Blake Shelton’s Ten Times Crazier Tour, as well as the Hunter Hayes’ We’re Not Invisible Tour and the Tattoo (Your Name) Tour. Kristi Yamaguchi – co-host of Musselman’s Apple Sauce Family Skating Tribute – is the women’s 1992 Olympic gold medal figure skating champion. Continued on page 24
| 23 |
Continued from page 23
An athlete, artist, author, wife, mother and philanthropist, she remained involved in ice skating as a professional competitor and now as a performer. She has been named to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and the USOC Olympic Hall of Fame. In February 2008, Yamaguchi received the Thurman Munson Award for excellence in competition and philanthropic work within the community. She started the Always Dream Foundation to inspire underserved children to reach their dreams though innovative reading programs and by advancing early childhood literacy. The victor on the sixth season of “Dancing with the Stars,” she and her husband Bret Hedican have two daughters, Keara and Emma. Michael Weiss – co-host of Musselman’s Apple Sauce Family Skating Tribute – is a champion and pioneer in men’s figure skating. The first American skater to land a quad toe loop in competition, Weiss created a maneuver known as the “Tornado,” a back flip with a full twist. He first performed the Tornado in 2002. Weiss, a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Team, was the United States Olympic Committee Team Skater of the Year in 1999 and 2000. He is a threetime U.S. National Champion and a two-time World bronze medalist (1999 and 2000). He started the Michael Weiss Foundation to provide scholarships to up-and-coming figure skaters. In recent years, Weiss has taught high school hockey players how to improve their skating skills. Weiss and his wife Lisa have
Weiss created a maneuver known as the “Tornado,” a back flip with a full twist.
Continued on page 27
| 24 |
WEALTH STRATEGY
|
TRUST AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
|
©2016 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
PRIVATE BANKING
|
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
NEVER HAS LUXURY BEEN THIS EXPRESSIVE.
THE REIMAGINED RX F SPORT From the available panorama glass roof to the 20-inch alloy wheels,* the RX F SPORT raises the level of luxury with a chiseled design and Adaptive Variable Suspension. The RX F SPORT from Lexus. This is sophistication, sharpened. lexus.com/RX | #LexusRX
LEXUS OF NORTH HILLS 15025 Perry Highway, Wexford (724) 940-1400
ROHRICH LEXUS 2115 W. Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh (412) 344-5800
Options shown. *20-in performance tires are expected to experience greater tire wear than conventional tires. Tire life may be substantially less than 20,000 miles, depending upon driving conditions. ©2016 Lexus
Continued from page 24
two children, Annie-Mae and Christopher Michael, who plays hockey. Scott Hamilton is the 1984 Olympic men’s figure skating champion, cancer survivor, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, author, husband and father. Hamilton, an internationally acknowledged skating authority and three-time cancer survivor is known for his indomitable spirit. In 1990, he was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Scott Hamilton Hall of Fame. Following is known for his indomitable spirit. his mother’s passing from and his own survival of cancer, he launched the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship). His foundation recently teamed with The V Foundation to raise $1.25 million to fund cancer research. The author of the best-sellers, “The Great Eight: How To Be Happy Even When You Have Every Reason To Be Miserable” and his autobiography, “Landing It,” he founded the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy with the NHL’s Nashville Predators in 2014, with the hope of rebuilding figure skating from the ground up. Hamilton and his wife Tracie have four children, Aidan, Maxx, Jean Paul and Evelyne. Nancy Kerrigan owns the 1992 bronze and the 1994 silver Olympic medals for women’s figure skating, and the 1993 U.S. National Championship. A host and performer in skating shows and competitions, she served as a special correspondent during the 2010 Winter Olympics. A 2004 inductee into the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame, she wrote an instructional book on advanced figure skating technique, “Artistry on Ice.” Kerrigan, whose mother is legally blind, created The Nancy Kerrigan Foundation to raise awareness and support for the vision impaired. She is married to Jerry Solomon and they have three children together, Matthew, Brian and Nicole. Paul Wylie, Olympian, professional champion, businessman, husband and dad, literally defied death in April 2015 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a strenuous workout. Little more than two weeks after the crisis, with a clean bill of health, Wylie returned to skating and performed five months later. Speaking publicly about his situation, Wylie encourages others to practice good Continued on page 28
| 27 |
The Nancy Kerrigan Foundation was created to raise awareness and support for the vision impaired.
Continued from page 27
health habits, which he says helped him to recover. Between his first Olympics in 1988 and his silver medal performance in 1992, Wylie graduated from Harvard University in 1991. He won silver in the U.S. Figure Skating championships in 1988, 1990 and 1992. Turning pro after the Olympics, Wylie won the U.S. Open Professional Championship in 1992 and the World Professional Figure Skating Championship in 1993. He toured with Stars on Ice for six years before returning to graduate school to earn a master’s degree and entering the corporate world. Wylie and his wife Kate have three children, Hannah, Emma and Caleb. Musselman’s Apple Sauce Family Skating Tribute is scheduled for airing on ABC eight times in November and December. | 28 |
Reaching 100 years is #LivingProof. At Highmark, we believe the longer you stay healthy, each year is more frosting on the cake. We have 238 members over 100 years of age that we are proud to continue to help keep healthy and vital by providing access to high-quality healthcare. Let’s celebrate the living proof of what’s possible when you’re all for health. HMKLivingProof.com
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
HOME ADVANTAGE As part of a global brand with deep roots in the Pittsburgh area, we salute the nearly 3,000 local employees who strive to make every FedEx experience outstanding.
FedEx Ground is the official delivery company of the
Illusions, Aerial Scenes Make Disney Shows Unforgettable By: Pam Thompson
Disney productions come to the stage and ice at PPG Paints Arena this fall and promise to create unforgettable experiences for family members of all ages. “Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic,” an all-new show in 2016, presents defining moments from renowned Disney films for two shows on stage in October. “Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream” comes to town in December for six shows telling inspiring stories of four princesses, including Rapunzel’s hairraising, high-flying adventure. Rapunzel also makes her “Disney Live” debut in “Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic,” which toured for the first time early this year. Its new season opened in September and tours nationally through Dec. 23. With a cast, comprised of American performers from around the country, the production heads to Japan in 2017, its first international destination. Continued on page 32
| 31 |
Continued from page 31
Dare to Dream “Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream” blends the heroic tales of two classic princesses and two contemporary princesses into an inspirational and entertaining show hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The whole family can dance and sing along, as Snow White, Cinderella, Tiana and Rapunzel show the audience how to dream big. For “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the action takes place in an enchanted forest as the heroine escapes from the Evil Queen. The “Cinderella” story has the title character realizing her dreams with some help from her animal friends and her Fairy Godmother. Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” skate through their magical tale to a bayou beat. The “Tangled” segment with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and Maximus, is described as “hair-raising,” “uproarious,” and “soaring to new heights.” Taylor Steele portrays Rapunzel in “Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream.” It is the show’s fifth season and Steele’s second season in the role of Rapunzel. “Rapunzel is a little ball of energy. It’s a great role,” says Steele, who comes across like her alter-ego on ice. | 32 |
Steele’s favorite part of the show is Rapunzel’s flying routine. “I love flying through the air and the crowd reaction is amazing,” she says. Prior to becoming a performer on ice, Steele was a senior pairs National Team member in Canada. Nothing in her skating career prepared Steele for flying. She says that she received all of the training that she needed in rehearsals for the show. Patty Vincent, the show’s director says of the “Tangled” segment, “The performers trained for six weeks just to build their upper body strength because skaters use very different muscles when ice skating.” Aerial Trainer Anna Kaminnik in collaboration with Choreographer Cindy Stuart directed the performers. By using magic and For the illusions, Disney aerial scene, has reimagined 2,000 feet iconic scenes and of silk wind through the enhanced them. ceiling of the arena portraying Rapunzel’s hair. The silken locks carry Rapunzel and Flynn Rider 25 feet above the ice. Steele also enjoys working with her stage partner, Joseph Jacobsen who portrays Flynn Rider. “We play off of each other. It’s a lot of fun,” Steele says. A big favorite of audiences, according to Steele, is when Rapunzel is welcomed into the Disney royal family by Mickey, Minnie and princesses from across the generations of Disney storytelling. Produced by Nicole, Juliette and Kenneth Feld, their creative team also includes Costume Designer Ivan Ingermann, Scenic Designer Stan Meyer and Lighting Designer Peter Morse. Continued on page 34
| 33 |
Continued from page 33
New Disney Live Show “Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic,” took about a year for producer Alana Feld to bring to the stage this past January. She is Executive Vice President of Feld Entertainment. “What’s exciting about this show for me personally is that it’s the first Disney Live! I have produced since becoming a mom,” Alana Feld says. “Now when I’m deciding on content, I automatically think how my daughter will respond to it and how everything created by our amazing team of professionals is geared toward making ‘Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic’ a way for families to fall in love with Disney all over again.” The entire show came together under one roof at Feld Entertainment Studios in Ellonton, Fla., and Jenifer Maninger, Senior Global PR Manager, Feld Entertainment, Inc., says, “It is a very interactive experience.” “Tinker Bell appears at the beginning of the show and gives Mickey and Minnie magic words and movements,” Maninger says. The entire audience is encouraged to help Mickey and Minnie make the magic happen. “We want them up and out of their seats,” Maninger says. Twenty-five well known characters are in the show. Says Maninger, “There is someone for everyone.” Donald Duck and Goofy join Mickey and Minnie as they enter mysterious portals throughout the Disney universe entering enchanted lands of classic characters and encountering surprises. The audience is taken to well known moments from the animated features “Tangled,” “Aladdin,” “Cinderella,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Fantasia” and Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story.” Continued on page 36
| 34 |
Saving you money is our goal. Great rates and outstanding service have been GEICO’s winning play for 75 years. Get a free quote today.
geico.com 1-800-947-AUTO Local agent
Proud Partner of The Pittsburgh Penguins®
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2016. © 2016 GEICO
Theatrical illusions build a multi-layered experience. Continued from page 34
Feld’s production team used Disney stories and theatrical illusions to build a multi-layered experience for audiences. “This show is about bringing to life the magical places and moments that exist with the world of Disney in a very authentic and modern way,” says Alana Feld. “By using magic and illusions, we’ve reimagined iconic scenes and enhanced them, creating a great connection to the characters and stories for our audiences.” “Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic” begins with an original song, “Magic Is Here,” as well as bursts of color and energetic dance. Director and Choreographer Fred Tallaksen says that everything from a soundtrack blending classical and updated musical elements to widely varied dance numbers were used to create the show’s vitality and to differentiate it from a traditional re-telling of Disney classics. “What makes this show extraordinary are the adventures Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy have every time they enter a different whimsical doorway and the amazing things There is they do in each world they visit,” says Tallaksen. someone for “One moment Mickey and Minnie are jumping rope everyone with alongside the Toy Story gang in Andy’s room and the 25 well known next they have traveled to Agrabah to unleash the characters in power and comedic antics of Aladdin’s Genie.” The script, written by the brother-sister team of the show. Adam Wilson and Melanie Wilson-LaBracio, includes well known scenes such as the creation of Cinderella’s magical ball gown and Mickey directing dancing brooms. The writers’ script, through Mickey, Minnie and friends, encourages audiences to help with the magic by wiggling their fingers and stomping the ground and using special words. These techniques keep the action moving and audiences involved in the story. | 36 |
Magic Consultant Jim Steinmeyer, who has designed illusions for Broadway, joined the production team bringing an added dimension to “Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic.” A pioneer and master of the magic profession, Steinmeyer’s contributions to the show create a mesmerizing scene for the stage debut of “Tangled’s” Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder as they levitate in a starry sky amidst the floating lanterns. “When the Disney characters present the illusions rather than a magician, something special happens,” says Steinmeyer. “Not only is the audience experiencing this genuine moment within the Disney stories, but the characters add to it with their presence and unique personalities.” Scenic Designer Christine Peters and Lighting Designer Sam Doty developed the landscape and its illumination. Along with the usual challenges of portraying a credible set, they also dealt with the issue of how best to highlight the illusions. The solution for both matters involved using a vibrant color palette and a 75-foot rolling curtain to smoothly transition from the animation style of Walt Disney’s first animated feature, “Snow White and Seven Dwarfs” to the 50th, “Tangled.” “The design process always starts with a central idea,” says Peters. “For this show, it was the image of doorways and the hints they give as to what adventures lie behind them. From the asymmetrical shapes of the doors themselves to the way the curved portals frame the stage, we are able to convey a fun-house vibe full of intrigue and excitement.” Lighting techniques and effects created by Doty give the doorways that transport the Disney characters their energy and power. The lighting emphasizes all of the phenomenal happenings on stage. The design includes lighting everything from stars decorating the proscenium, which are made from ultramodern, luminescent paper, to the laser routine performed by Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear. “Christine Peters has provided a beautiful set that doesn’t require much coloring to make it show ready,” says Doty. “Instead we were able to focus on incorporating a variety of methods to draw awareness to the choreography and general flow of the production, further enhancing the naturally magical stories.” Costume Designer Leon Dobkowski complemented the other key elements of the show – set, lighting, choreography and action – with richly-toned fabrics in bold shapes and textures, Dobkowski got to update the fashions for Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, and he attired the ensemble in everything from the colorful asymmetric costumes of the opening number, to the ornate draping featured in the Aladdin segment. “It was important for the costuming to be familiar but contemporary so it is relatable to Disney fans young and old,” says Dobkowski. | 37 |
Impractical Jokers Tour Includes Pittsburgh Show By: Pam Thompson
When Allan Funt hid his first camera to prank the unsuspecting public more than 50 years ago on “Candid Camera,” could he ever have imagined the evolution of the entertainment form into the raucous antics of “Impractical Jokers?” The truTV Impractical Jokers’ “Santiago Sent Us” tour plays the U.S. this fall – including a show at PPG Paints Arena – and goes on to England, Scotland and Ireland in 2017. Almost all of the tour’s European shows were sold out five months in advance, including the upcoming performance in January at The O2 Arena in London.
| 38 |
The “Santiago Sent Us” tour features the no-holds-barred ad-libbed comedy of The Tenderloins, the stars of the hit truTV series “Impractical Jokers.” The improvisations of The Tenderloins – Joe Gatto, James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn and Sal Vulcano – ensure that each performance is different from the others. The Tenderloins also created and produce truTV’s “Impractical Jokers” which is headed into its sixth season. On television, the web and stage, they continuously raise the outrageousness factor of their style of humor. Lifelong buddies, the comedians attended high school together in Staten Island, New York, and formed The Tenderloins in 1999. They honed their comedic talents performing live and on the web. Tallying millions of views of their sketches led to their successful show on truTV. The Tenderloins prank the public, and especially each other, while hidden cameras document the mayhem that ensues. The foursome competes to embarrass each other with hilarious off-the-wall dares. If a Tenderloin refuses a dare, he loses. At the end of each show, the biggest loser receives a punishment which can involve anything from sky diving and rodeo events to body piercing and bovine obstetrics. The American series has aired in India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and throughout Europe, and the “Santiago Sent Us” tour continues the success of the “Impractical Jokers” concept.
| 39 |
AWAY-GAME
GETAWAYS Red Wings in Detroit: Jan 14-15 Stay at MotorCity Casino Hotel! Enjoy 1 meal, a pre-game party, $20 in casino reward play, reserved seating at game and a visit to the Henry Ford Museum. Joe Louis Arena’s farewell season. AAA Member Rate: $499 Sabres in Buffalo & Senators in Ottawa: March 21-25 Stay 1 night in Niagara Falls, NY, 2 nights in Ottawa and 1 night in Toronto. Enjoy 4 meals (including brunch at Wayne Gretzky’s in Toronto), a pre-game party at Rainforest Cafe in Niagara Falls NY, 300-level seating in Buffalo, The Ledge seating in Ottawa and a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Passport or passport card required. AAA Member Rate: $999 Devils in New Jersey: April 5-7 Stay in midtown Manhattan! Enjoy a pre-game party at Times Square Brewery, lower-level game seating and admission to the Top of Rock observatory. AAA Member Rate: $769 Each package rate is per person (double occupancy) and includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Pittsburgh, accommodations, luggage handling (1 per person), services of a AAA Tour Manager, an exclusive AAA/Penguins® logo gift and more.
Coyotes in Phoenix: Feb 9-13 Stay at a resort with on-site dining, a spa, pools, golf and more. Enjoy 5 meals and optional area touring. AAA Member Rate: $1,505 Package rate is per person (double occupancy) and includes roundtrip flights from Pittsburgh, airport/ hotel/game transfers, accommodations, luggage handling (1 per person), club-level game seating, taxes/ gratuities, services of a AAA Tour Manager, an exclusive AAA/Penguins® logo gift and more.
Visit your local AAA Travel or call 1-800-354-8761 for more details. AAA is the Official Travel Agency of the Pittsburgh Penguins®
Olympians Confirmed for Gymnastics Tour By: Pam Thompson
The Golden Triangle is going to shine more brightly when the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions brings the 2016 U.S. Olympians to Pittsburgh for one show at PPG Paints Arena. For those suffering Olympic gymnastics withdrawal – members of America’s gold medal “Final Five” women’s team and its men’s team are confirmed for the tour. Additional headliners will be Nastia Liukin, 2008 Olympic all-around champion and Jordyn Wieber, 2012 Olympic team gold-medalist. They will be joined by other 2012 U.S. Olympians. “Gymnastics fans across the nation will get to see the biggest names in the sport at the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions,” says Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics. “The Kellogg’s Tour is always a lot of fun and a great way for Americans to celebrate the athletes’ performances at the Olympic Games.” Continued on page 43
| 41 |
It takes more than just any truck to be the official truck. It takes the powerful Ram 1500.
RAM IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF FCA US LLC.
Continued from page 41
At each tour stop, local gymnasts are to join the cast of gymnastics champions. The 2016 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, which began Sept. 15 in Spokane, Wash., stops in 36 cities across the nation before wrapping up in November in Boston. The tour’s Biles, VIP packages and considered platinum tickets the premiere include a pre-show gymnast Olympian Chalk Talk led by Liukin with of her selected members of generation, the 2016 U.S. Olympic is the most Gymnastics Team. decorated The Final Five U.S. women’s are Simone Biles, gymnast in Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Madison history with Kocian and Laurie 19 World Hernandez, and the and Olympic 2016 Olympics U.S. medals. men’s gymnastics team members are Danell Leyva, Sam Mikulak, Jacob Dalton, Chris Brooks and Alex Naddour. Many consider Biles the premiere gymnast of her generation. She is the most decorated U.S. women’s gymnast ever with 19 World and Olympic medals. Her four 2016 gold medals from Rio – team, all-around, vault and floor exercise – tie the Olympic record for a female gymnast in a single Olympics. With her bronze for balance beam, her five medals from Rio tie her for the most held by a U.S. gymnast in a single Olympics. The 19-year-old from Spring, Tex., is the 2016 U.S. all-around, vault, balance beam and floor exercise champion. She is the four-time U.S. all-around champion for 2013-16, and is the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships team and all-around champion. Chosen as flag bearer for the closing ceremony by her fellow Team USA Olympians, Biles is the first female gymnast to receive this honor and only the second U.S. gymnast to ever serve in this role. Raisman, 21 of Needham, Mass., brought home three medals from Rio – team gold and silvers in the all-around and floor exercise. Adding these to her three medals from the London games for team and floor exercise gold and balance beam bronze, gives her six career Olympic medals. The only U.S. woman with more Olympic gymnastics medals is Shannon Miller. Raisman also is this year’s Pacific Rim team and floor exercise champion and balance beam silver medalist. Continued on page 45 | 43 |
Continued from page 43
Douglas, 20 of Virginia Beach, Va., is now a two-time Olympic gymnastics team gold medalist. She is the 2016 American Cup champion. In the 2012 Olympics, she was the all-around champion and advanced to the balance beam and uneven bars finals, leading to her becoming the 2012 AP Female Athlete of the Year. The youngest member of the gold medal women’s team, Hernandez, 16 of Old Bridge, N.J., returned from Rio with a silver medal for balance beam. She is the 2016 U.S. all-around, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise bronze medalist. Kocian, 19 of Dallas, added Olympic silver for uneven bars to her 2015 World championship in that event, in addition to her 2016 Olympic team gold. The 2016 Olympic U.S. men’s gymnastics team consisted of three veterans and two alternates of the 2012 games in London. Team USA finished fifth in Rio, repeating their finish from the 2012 games. Leyva, 24 of Miami, the only member of the team to medal in London, bronze in the all-around, won two silver medals in Rio on the parallel bars and high bar. Team USA’s most decorated male gymnast in Rio, Leyva traveled a twisting road to this year’s games. Following an injury, his qualifying performances earned him only an alternate slot for the 2016 Olympic team. Somewhat ironically, Leyva moved onto the team heading to Rio when John Orozco was injured while training. Continued on page 46
| 45 |
Continued from page 45
Naddour, 25 of Gilbert, Ariz., took the bronze on the pommel horse in Rio. An Olympic team alternate in 2012, he is the 2016 Pacific Rim team and pommel horse champion. Sam Mikulak, 24 of Newport Coast, Calif., finished seventh in the all-around in Rio, and he competed in the floor exercise and high bar finals. In the U.S., he is a four-time all-around champion (2013-16) and pommel horse and parallel bars silver medalist. He is the 2016 Pacific Rim team champion, pommel horse silver medalist and all-around bronze medalist, and this year’s Winter Cup all-around, pommel horse and high bar champion. Brooks, 29 of Houston, advanced to the allaround final in Rio after being an alternate in 2012. He is the 2016 U.S. parallel bars champion and all-around and high bar silver medalist. Dalton, 25 of Sparks, Nev., competed in the 2016 Olympic floor exercise final. An alternate for the 2012 team, he is the 2016 U.S. floor exercise and vault champion and all-around and still rings bronze medalist. He also is the 2016 Pacific Rim team and floor exercise champion. The Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions is produced by USA Gymnastics in partnership with AEG Facilities. The Kellogg Company is the exclusive title sponsor. | 46 |
BIG PROJECT AHEAD? RENT A DUMPSTER.
CALL 800.458.4090 OR VISIT WM.COM.
© 2015 WM Intellectual Property Holdings, L.L.C.
Official retail bank of the Pittsburgh Penguins. ®
KeyBank and our employees are proud to be a part of the Pittsburgh community. We’re especially proud to partner with the Penguins, and join all their fans in wishing them success in the upcoming season. To learn more about KeyBank, visit key.com.
Official retail bank of the Pittsburgh Penguins.®
Key.com is a federally registered service mark of KeyCorp. ©2016 KeyCorp. KeyBank is Member FDIC. 60825-122130
The River Tour Opener, Arena Finale Made Memories for Fans in Pittsburgh By: Pam Thompson
A legendary performer, a string of concerts of epic length and two separate stops in Pittsburgh made The River Tour of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band one that fans will remember forever. When The River Tour began in Pittsburgh on Jan. 16, no one knew that the Steel City would also be the last stop for the tour on Sept. 11. After totaling 75 performances across North America and Europe in 35 weeks, The River Tour heads to Australia and New Zealand in January. Springsteen and the E Street Band, known for giving fans lengthy, energetic shows, seemed to make The River Tour a mission to give fans everything that they had to give. With three-hour plus shows, the tour broke record after record for the longest U.S. concert in the history of Springsteen and the E Street Band. Pittsburgh fans at the opener in January were treated to a total of 34 songs by Springsteen and company. The last Pittsburgh show, 32 songs, came in at 3 hours and 45 minutes, approximately 20 minutes behind the longest show of 4 hours and 4 minutes presented just the week before in Philadelphia. That show was 2 minutes shorter than the longest Springsteen concert ever on July 31, 2012 in Helsinki, Finland. Springsteen turned 67 on Sept. 23. Laura Dunhoff, a Pittsburgh fan, says “This was the record that his vitality is remarkable. She saw both where I was trying to of the Steel City concerts and says that he “played non-stop, taking very few breaks find out where I fit in,” between songs.” Springsteen said of The River “My friend Debbie and I saw Bruce during the tour’s opening Springsteen when he opened The River night in Pittsburgh. Continued on page 50
| 49 |
Continued from page 49
Tour here in January. When she told me he was coming back again, I was surprised, but immediately agreed to go. The River Tour in January was amazing and it was one of the few times I have been to a concert where an album was played in its entirety. That was one of the first albums I owned and it is a true classic.” “His songs resonate with me because they’re about working people and his songs about 9/11 still moved me last night, fourteen years after he put out the CD, which I have,” Dunhoff says. Each of the 37 stops on the initial North American leg of The River Tour included an in-sequence performance of the 20 songs from 1980’s The River, as well as some classics. Springsteen and the band previously had performed the album only once in its entirety, during a 2009 concert at Madison Square Garden. For the closing U.S. leg of the tour, sets featured selections from The River as well as other classics from the band. Springsteen commemorated the 15th anniversary of 9/11 with seven of the 15 songs from The Rising. Released in 2002, it is considered to be Springsteen’s response to the national disaster. “His songs resonate with me because they’re about working people and his songs about 9/11 still moved me last night, 14 years after he put out the CD, which I have,” Dunhoff says. It was announced on May 24 that Pittsburgh would be one of only three arena concerts when 10 additional summer performances were announced. The other seven U.S. shows would be held in stadiums. It was a very rare move for a concert tour, according to Gary Desjardins, AEG’s General Manager of PPG Paints Arena. Continued on page 53
| 50 |
Alec S., Feat
ured Baby Pe
nguins® Fan
.
We deliver MAGEE OFFERS THE REGION’S:
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC is proud to partner with the Pittsburgh
• Most advanced genetics program
Penguins® to make sure every baby gets
• Largest high-risk delivery unit
and to the team. Now all babies born
• Most comprehensive child birth program
at Magee will receive a welcome kit
a very special welcome to the world –
created just for our newest fans.
To learn more about why it’s A Great Day for a New Baby, like us at Facebook/MageeWomensHospital.
The official women’s health provider of the Pittsburgh Penguins® and fans of all ages.
Home building? Been there. Commercial construction? Built that. Remodels? Manufacturing? Custom molding? Yeah, been there and built that too. For 60 years, we’ve been building Pittsburgh – and the nation. Here’s to another hometown team that gets it done: Let’s go Pens! Official partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins® and founding partner of CONSOL Energy Center®. Visit 84lumber.com to find a store near you.
Continued from page 50
Desjardins believes that the way that the building staff welcomed the tour for its opener in January might have swayed the decision for its return in September. “It’s a credit to the market and I think that the initial experience counted for something,” Desjardin says. The theme for decorations welcoming Springsteen and the E Street Band was inspired by The River Tour itself. Arena walls were turned into a timeline consisting of every year that an album had been released. Each vignette, labeled with the year, included an album cover and corresponding pop culture milestones. For 1984, artwork included the Born in the U.S.A. cover, along with Donald Duck who turned 50, the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and Apple’s first Macintosh computer. The Rising cover from 2002 was pictured with American Idol judges, the Quecreek Mine rescue, and Euros, which had just begun to circulate. On the floors were large album-shaped decals bearing the names of the E Street Band musicians, including the late renowned saxophonist Clarence Clemons who died in 2011. Desjardins credits Alyssa Blumling, Manager, Guest Experience, at the arena with spear-heading the welcome. “She did a great job.” The crew and band arrived in Pittsburgh, setting up and rehearsing the tour opener for a week. Each day token gifts were presented. Continued on page 54
| 53 |
Continued from page 53
When Springsteen joined rehearsals a couple of days in advance, the arena gifted him and his wife, Patti Scialfa, with custom painted goalie masks. Scialfa joined the band in 1984 as a vocalist. The couple married in 1991. Each of the authentic helmets are painted primarily in turquoise and black, and each includes an image of Springsteen, a Pittsburgh riverscape, and the names of the city and tour with the concert date and the arena’s logo. “The goalie mask is hockey and building related,” says Desjardins. “It’s unique to our building and what we do. We try to be creative.” Desjardins says that Blumling came up with another set of decorations also playing off the river theme for the 9/11 concert. Wall decorations, similar to those for the January show, noted highlights of the tour itself. Springsteen made many special moments for fans on the tour. In Pittsburgh and other cities, he danced with women of all ages, including his mom, 90, and 91-yearyoung Jeanne Heintz. He had more than one youngster join him on stage, and when a 9-year-old in Los Angeles attended a concert on a school night, Springsteen wrote a note to his teacher in case the boy was late to class the next day. In Baltimore Springsteen invited a couple on stage. The man got down on one knee, and proposed to his girlfriend. When she accepted, Springsteen proclaimed, “You are now pronounced, in the name of rock’n’roll, husband and wife,” before posing for a photo with the newly engaged couple and performing “I Wanna Marry You.” The first of two concerts at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center opened with “Purple Rain” in tribute to the late Prince. Bono made a special guest appearance on “Because The Night” at the second show at Dublin’s Croke Park. In July during a show in the City of Light, the concert was interrupted when the lights went out. Springsteen signed autographs for 20 minutes in Paris’ AccorHotels Arena, and then played for another hour when the technical issue was resolved. The River Tour, Springsteen’s first in two years, followed the December release of The Ties That Bind: The River Collection, a boxed set containing the original The River album, along with outtakes, unreleased songs and a two-hour concert film from 1980. | 54 |
1320 Centre Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | 412.381.6687
Official Hotel Partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins® and PPG Paints Arena OUR PARTNERSHIPS = YOUR PERK! 15% off any purchase at the PensGear store at PPG Paints Arena with your Cambria guest room key! Discount valid at the main team store only - located inside PPG Paints Arena at the Centre Avenue entrance. Not valid with any additional offers or promotions.
Official hotel of the PPG Paints Arena CAMBRIASUITESPITTSBURGH.COM
©2016 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.
PA PI TTS BUR GH – DOWNTOW N
The ultimate hat trick is at the SouthSide Works S. 27th & E. Carson Street
Â
442 South 27th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203
www.southsideworks.com
WWE PPV Announces Roadblock Continues Special Pittsburgh Friendship By: Pam Thompson
WWE PPV roars back into PPG Paints Arena in December with its WWE Roadblock. It also is expected that the show will continue a special relationship between WWE and Pittsburgh. It is the first time in nearly three years that WWE PPV has taken place in the Steel City, and the Dec. 18 event is only the second WWE Roadblock ever. The first Roadblock took place last March at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. Its nine matches were punctuated with two title challenges. Charlotte defeated Natalya to retain her champion status, and Triple H, Paul Levesque, successfully defended his WWE World Heavyweight title against challenger Dean Ambrose in the main event. While cards always can change, it is expected that Roadblock will include Superstars Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, The New Day, Enzo & Cass, Charlotte, Sasha Banks and many more. In regard to the special friendship between WWE and Pittsburgh, it isn’t so much about the WWE’s steady stream of shows for fans at PPG Paints Arena or that WWE presented a special World Championship belt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in honor of their Stanley Cup victory this year. Connor’s Cure was founded by WWE’s Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and her husband Levesque, Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, to honor the memory of a Pittsburgh area child, Connor “the Crusher” Michalek, who bravely battled brain cancer while winning the hearts of many – especially in the WWE organization. WWE’s executives, organization and fans are strong supporters of pediatric cancer research and promoters of awareness of the disease. McMahon joined the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees in 2015, furthering her personal stake in the fight against childhood cancer. In observance of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September, WWE continued fundraising activities for Connor’s Cure at its events. Continued on page 59
| 57 |
LOGE BOX SEATING
For All PPG Paints Arena Events!
Loge Boxes are only 26 rows from the floor and conveniently located directly off of the FedEx Level’s lower concourse. The spacious area includes cushioned swivel seating, countertops with built-in televisions, in-seat wait service and a tremendous end-zone perspective of concerts and family shows!
Contact the Pittsburgh Penguins today for pricing and availability! 412.642.PENS premiumseating@pittsburghpenguins.com Follow us on Twitter @PensPremium
Continued from page 55
“WWE is extremely proud to expand our support of Connor’s Cure around Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month,” says McMahon. “The continued effort to raise awareness and funds in the fight against pediatric cancer is important to help find a cure for this devastating disease. We are grateful to the WWE Superstars, fans, The V Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh WWE presented of UPMC for their continued support.” a special World “The V Foundation is excited to recognize Championship Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month with belt to the such a fantastic and motivated partner,” says Pittsburgh Susan Braun, Chief Executive Officer of The V Foundation. “We are both driven to end this Penguins in honor disease, and working as a team to meet that goal of their Stanley means success can come more quickly.” Cup victory this McMahon and Levesque became passionate year. about pediatric cancer research, when they met Connor Michalek. Connor, a huge WWE fan, was battling medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord, when he got to meet his hero, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan. That encounter led to others with members of the world of the WWE, including McMahon and Levesque, who formed a special connection with the personable little boy. When Connor lost his battle with the disease at age 8 in April 2014, the WWE executives decided to honor him by creating Connor’s Cure, a fund at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised more than $1 million and assisted more than 100 families around the world. A new multi-year partnership between The V Foundation and WWE expands the reach of Connor’s Cure beyond the fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where it continues to support research. “Partnering with WWE is a very heartfelt experience,” says Braun. “The V Foundation is honored to work side by side with Stephanie McMahon, Paul Levesque, and the entire WWE team to increase the amount of research devoted to children’s cancers. Our world-class Scientific Advisory Committee, who oversees the highly competitive V Foundation Grant process, ensures that the most important work is being funded – research that will lead to saving children’s lives.” Continued on page 57
| 59 |
Continued from page 56
Funds raised by WWE support Connor’s Cure through The V Foundation’s grant-making process, which distributes the funds. The V Foundation for Cancer Research is one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations. Since its inception, The V Foundation has awarded nearly $20 million in pediatric cancer research grants, including almost $5 million in 2015. The foundation is expected to increase its contributions to the fight against childhood cancer by developing new and extended partnerships. With just four percent of federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer, The V Foundation is eager to make a significant impact in finding cures for the leading cause of death by disease in American children. “Childhood cancer affects everyone, from the child diagnosed to family to community to us as a society,” says Braun. “Each child we lose is heartbreak, and each child we save is victory. The V Foundation is going for victory.” In an effort to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, WWE launched the firstever “Get the Gear, Give the Gear” campaign in September, Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign enabled fans to purchase Connor’s Cure bracelets and bandanas with 100 percent of net proceeds benefiting Connor’s Cure, to support pediatric cancer research. WWE also donated a Connor’s Cure Childhood cancer bracelet or bandana to a child battling affects everyone. pediatric cancer for every item purchased. The sale of the beaded Connor’s Cure bracelets by the WWE provides ongoing support of the Connor’s Cure fund. The bracelets are modeled after a handmade gift bracelet that Connor made for McMahon. The bandana is imprinted with Connor’s Cure logos. In addition, WWE used its global assets including WWE Network and TV broadcasts, live events, public service announcements and digital and social media to create awareness of pediatric cancer and to encourage fans to get involved. WWE Superstars also continued their practice of visiting pediatric cancer patients at hospitals across the country. Steve Michalek, Connor’s father, says that frequently WWE Superstars visit hospitalized children when they visit cities hosting WWE events. “It is really great that they do that,” Michalek says. “It is so boring for kids in the hospital. They don’t want to be there and the down time is difficult. Any break in the action is the best.” He says that WWE performers bring the children toy championship belts, arts and crafts, and Connor’s Cure bracelets. “They hang with the kids, and that’s really great,” says Michalek. For more information, visit ConnorTheCrusher.org. To purchase Connor’s Cure bracelets and bandanas or to make donations to Connor’s Cure, go to shop.wwe.com/connors-cure/. | 60 |
© 2015 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. © NHL 2015. All Rights Reserved.
THIS YEAR, THE A-10 CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE WON IN THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS
MARCH 8-12, 2017 Atlantic10 FORDHAM MED. GREY PANTONE BLACK 30%
FORDHAM MAROON PANTONE 209 C
Atlantic10.com FORDHAM BLACK PANTONE BLACK
A10MBB
PPGPAINTSARENA.COM Tickets available at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at ppg paints arena, Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. PPGPAINTSARENA
PPGPAINTSARENA
Excitement of Collegiate Action Comes to Ice & Court this Fall By: Pam Thompson
The fifth annual Three Rivers Classic, The City Game and Robert Morris University hockey bring the excitement of collegiate action to the ice and court at PPG Paints Arena this fall. Thanksgiving weekend, Robert Morris University’s Colonials host the Big Green of Dartmouth College in ice hockey. The teams hit the ice at PPG Paints Arena on Nov. 27, following a Nov. 26 game at 84 Lumber Arena. Men’s basketball rivals — the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University — meet up for The City Game for the 84th time on Dec. 2. The hometown rivalry plays out at PPG Paints Arena for the 7th time. Currently the game trophy resides with Pitt, the winner of the annual matchup for 53 times. Duquesne has won the contest 31 times. The fifth annual Three Rivers Classic caps off the year when RMU, Quinnipiac University, Ferris State University and Boston College meet up on the home ice of the 2016 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. The tournament opens Dec. 29, with a rematch between the Quinnipiac Bobcats and the Boston College Eagles, who were 2016 NCAA Frozen Four opponents. RMU, the home team and defending tournament champions, take on the Ferris State Bulldogs in the second game. The consolation game and the championship matchup for the Confluence Cup follow the next day. It is “high caliber field,” says RMU Head Coach Derek Schooley, noting that the field includes three regular season champions, two playoff champions, three NCAA Tournament teams and a rematch of the NCAA semifinal. Quinnipiac’s Bobcats finished last season with their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, highlighted by trips to the Frozen Four and National Championship Game in 2013 and 2016. They won their first Whitelaw Cup as ECAC Hockey Tournament Champions, as well as the Cleary Cup for the ECAC Hockey Regular Season Championship for the third time in four seasons. Coach Rand Pecknold’s team finished 2015-16, 32-4-7, setting a record for Continued on page 64
| 63 |
Continued from page 63
wins as the first team since Michigan in 1997 to finish the season with only four losses. Quinnipiac also was ranked No. 1 in the USCHO.com and USA Today Hockey Magazine Division 1 Polls for the second time in its history. Boston’s Eagles concluded their last season with a 28-8-5 record, as well as a 12th trip to the Frozen Four with Coach Jerry York. It was the team’s fifth trip to the Frozen Four in the past nine seasons. York won USA Hockey’s Distinguished Achievement Award last May. He attained his 1,000th-career win last January in an 8-0 victory. In 44 seasons, York’s record is 1,012-599-110, and his record for the past 22 seasons at BC is 545-264-76. Ferris State, coached by Bob Daniels, closed last season making its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance and its third in the past five years. In addition to making it to the NCAA West Regional Championship game, the Bulldogs won the WCHA Broadmoor Trophy as the Final Five Champion, marking the first conference tournament championship in school history and following conference regular-season titles in 2012 and 2014. Along with a Frozen Four berth and national title game showing in 2012, FSU also has reached the regional final and the final eight of the NCAA Tournament in both 2014 and 2016. Robert Morris, with Coach Schooley finished the season with a 24-11-4 record. Its class of 2016 is the winningest in RMU history with 87 victories. In the past four seasons, the Colonials accumulated two Three Rivers Classic championships, two Atlantic Hockey regular season championships and the program’s first trip to the NCAA tournament in 2014 with an Atlantic Hockey tournament championship.
Pens Kunitz Cheers For His Alma Mater One member of the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins leaves no doubt that he will be cheering for his alma mater, Ferris State University in this year’s Three Rivers Classic. “I have to cheer for Ferris State,” says Chris Kunitz, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion and Olympic gold medalist. “The way that I play goes back to Ferris State.” “College predictions are tough,” says Kunitz. “Coach (Bob) Daniels says that the recruiting class looks good and combined with the veterans, he is expecting a big successful tournament.” Kunitz says, “It will be nice to have Ferris State here. I hope to meet up with some people and show them around the Penguins locker room.” The Pens left wing says his undergrad experience showed him what life had to offer beyond hockey and he met his future wife at Ferris. Kunitz, his wife, Maureen, and their three children – Zachary, 7, Payton, 5, and Aubrey, 2-1/2 all cheer for Ferris State. “Our kids wear Ferris State clothing,” Kunitz says with a laugh. | 64 |
THE BEST PLAYERS ON SKATES WERE BUILT TRAINING IN THE BEST FOOTWEAR. SHOP OUR NEWLY EXPANDED FOOTWEAR DECK CR ANBE R RY • M C CAN DLESS • SOU TH H ILLS • ROBINSON 12,000+ FOOTWEAR STYLES AT DICKS.COM
OFFICIAL SPORTING GOODS RETAILER OF THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS® AND FOUNDING PARTNER OF THE PPG Paints Arena® DICKS.COM